Hope Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics

09/28/2026

NHF’s Mission is to empower parents to have healthy children free of chronic health conditions.
Pregnancy guide:https://neurologicalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/nhf-the-guide-5.pdf
Video teachings/research: https://neurologicalhealth.org/nhf-videos/

09/19/2026

Saffron for ADHD in children ages 6 years and older (there are no safety studies in younger children).
AI query:
Most of the clinical data on saffron's psychiatric applications stems from ADHD research.

The Research: Small, short-term studies (typically 6 to 8 weeks) have compared standardized saffron extract against methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta). A landmark 2019 study and subsequent 2022 clinical trials found that saffron was comparable to stimulants in overall symptom reduction for children and adolescents.

Hyperactivity vs. Inattention: Studies indicate that saffron is highly effective for reducing symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, sometimes even outperforming stimulants in this area. However, standard stimulant medications remain significantly more effective at treating inattention.

How It Works: Saffron contains active compounds like crocin and safranal. Scientists believe it works similarly to ADHD medications by stimulating and balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

The Sleep Benefit: Unlike central nervous system stimulants—which frequently cause insomnia and appetite loss—saffron has been shown to improve sleep quality and significantly reduce the time it takes for individuals with ADHD to fall asleep.
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Saffron for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- again, there are no safety studies in children less than 6 years old.
While there are fewer direct clinical trials for autism compared to ADHD, researchers are increasingly looking at saffron due to the significant neurological overlap between the two conditions.

Neuroprotection and Inflammation: Children with autism frequently exhibit higher markers of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Saffron acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. By combating this cellular damage, it is thought to support overall brain health and neurodevelopmental balance.

Behavioral and Emotional Support: Early data suggests that saffron's ability to modulate glutamate and GABA pathways may help alleviate core ASD-associated symptoms, such as reducing irritability, supporting behavioral flexibility, and calming anxiety.
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Important Considerations and Safety
If you are considering using saffron as a supplement, keep the following caveats in mind:

Lack of Regulation: Because saffron is sold as a dietary supplement, it is not strictly regulated by the FDA. Quality, purity, and active compound concentrations vary wildly between brands. Look for standardized extracts (often labeled as affron® or Saffr’Activ) that specify the amount of active crocin.

Dosing: In pediatric clinical trials, typical doses ranged between 20 mg to 30 mg per day (often split into two doses), while adult trials used around 30 mg. This is much higher than the culinary amounts used in cooking. No universal, weight-based pediatric dosing standard exists yet.

Side Effects & Interactions: Saffron is generally well-tolerated at therapeutic doses, though minor side effects like mild nausea, dizziness, or headaches can occur. Crucially, saffron can interact with other medications, particularly antidepressants (SSRIs), and high doses must be avoided during pregnancy.

REFERENCES:
Blasco-Fontecilla H, Moyano-Ramírez E, Méndez-González O,
Rodrigo-Yanguas M, Martin-Moratinos M, Bella-Fernández M. Effectivity of Saffron Extract (Saffr'Activ) on Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Clinical Effectivity Study.
Nutrients. 2022 Sep 28;14(19):4046. doi: 10.3390/nu14194046. PMID: 36235697; PMCID: PMC9573091.

Seyedi-Sahebari, S., Farhang, S., Araj-Khodaei, M., Akhondzadeh, S., Naseri, A., Sanaie, S., & Frounchi, N. (2024).
The Effects of Crocus sativus (Saffron) on ADHD: A Systematic Review.
Journal of Attention Disorders, 28(1), 14–24. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231203176

Sahar Golpour- Hamedani, Makan Pourmasoumi, Sudiyeh Hejri Zarifi, Gholamreza Askari,Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Mohammad Bagherniya, Amirhossein Sahebkar.
Therapeutic effects of saffron and its components on neurodegenerative diseases,
Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 2, 2024, e24334,
ISSN 2405-8440,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24334.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024003657)

Kehtari T, Tovar DC, Epstein D, Junquera P.
From Mood to Memory: Unlocking Saffron's Potential in Brain Health.
Cureus. 2025 Apr 24;17(4):e82924. doi:
10.7759/cureus.82924. PMID: 40416274; PMCID: PMC12103703.

09/18/2026

Every child I see is different, even if they've been given the same diagnosis. I look to see what each child and family who comes before me needs. What does your specific child, in whom you may have concerns, need?

In the case of autism, the Medical Academy of Pediatrics and Special Needs (MAPS or MedMAPS) community gathered in Philadelphia last week to (re)define it, beyond the DSM5 criteria.

"Autism is a set of biochemical conditions, defined by behavioral symptoms, that involves dysfunction in 1 or more of the following areas:

-Neuroinflammation and autoimmune encephalitis
-Immune Dysfunction- inflammation, recurrent infections, and autoimmunity
-Mitochondrial Dysfunction- oxidation, chronic cell danger response activation, electron transport chain dysfunction, low carnitine
-Methylation disorders
-Sulfation disorders- low glutathione, low sulfation, impaired phase II liver detoxification
-Alteration of the gut environment- abnormal microbiome constitution, altered gut permeability, overproduction of endotoxins
-Neurotransmitter balance- high glutamate/excitotoxicity, imbalanced glutamate/GABA balance, alteration of neurotransmitter receptors, alteration of gut produced neurotransmitter levels (like serotonin)

These biochemical imbalances impair proper brain development and connections resulting in imbalances in the large-scale brain networks and their ability to turn on and off, along with impairment of motor planning and coordination of speech (in up to 65%)."

If you would like your child evaluated please call me, Dr. Ford, at 520-934-4624. Although I do not currently have contracts with any of the insurance companies, I can give you a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement. Please check with your specific insurance beforehand regarding needed referrals or pre-authorizations, etc.

09/15/2026

I've been teaching anatomy & physiology to homeschoolers in my office on Wednesday mornings. There is space for 2 more students, taught at their level. Tomorrow they will learn about the skeletal system. If interested please call Dr. Ford at 520-934-4624.

08/16/2026

AI query on B vitamins as metabolic co-factors and co-enzymes:

B vitamins are a group of eight water-soluble micronutrients that function primarily as essential metabolic cofactors and coenzymes. They drive catabolic energy production, anabolic biosynthesis, and cellular reactions throughout the human body. Because they are not stored long-term, they require regular daily replenishment. (Whenever possible and practical I recommend food sources over supplements due to complementary components and cell-to-cell signaling.)

Key B Vitamins and Their Cofactor Functions
• Thiamine (B1): Converts to thiamine pyrophosphate, acting as a critical cofactor for key carbohydrate and energy-yielding pathways like the Krebs cycle and glycolysis.
• Riboflavin (B2): Forms FAD and FMN coenzymes, facilitating crucial oxidation-reduction reactions and cellular antioxidant defenses.
• Niacin (B3): Converts into NAD and NADP, serving as a primary redox cofactor for electron transport and cellular respiration.
• Pantothenic Acid (B5): Acts as the core structural component of Coenzyme A (CoA), managing fatty acid metabolism and energy extraction.
• Pyridoxine (B6): Transforms into pyridoxal phosphate, acting as a cofactor for amino acid transamination and neurotransmitter synthesis.
• Biotin (B7): Operates as a vital carboxylase cofactor supporting gluconeogenesis and lipid synthesis.
• Folate (B9) & Cobalamin (B12): Partner directly in one-carbon metabolism, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Detailed biochemical insights are cataloged in articles via the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Clinical and Metabolic Significance
• Energy Metabolism: Deficiencies directly impair mitochondrial function and reduce cellular ATP generation.
• Neurological Health: Inadequate cofactor levels disrupt neurotransmitter creation and myelin maintenance, leading to neurological decline.
• Dietary Sources: Found densely in animal proteins, leafy greens, legumes, and fortified whole grains.

Many plants contain high amounts of B vitamins, especially legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. While plants are excellent sources of most B vitamins (like folate and thiamine), natural plant foods generally do not contain vitamin B12, which must be gotten from fortified foods or specific algae.

1. Legumes (Beans, Peas, and Lentils)
Legumes are the best plant-based sources of B vitamins. They are packed with folate (B9), thiamine (B1), and pyridoxine (B6).
• Chickpeas: Excellent source of B6 and folate.
• Lentils: Provide a massive dose of folate.
• Edamame and Soybeans: High in folate, thiamine, and riboflavin (B2).
• Black beans and Kidney beans: Great for overall B-complex delivery.

2. Whole Grains
The outer bran layer of whole grains contains a high concentration of B vitamins. Processing grains into white flour removes these nutrients.
• Brown Rice: Packed with niacin (B3), thiamine, and B6.
• Oats and Barley: High in thiamine (B1) and riboflavin.
• Quinoa: Provides a wide mix of the B-complex group.

3. Leafy Greens and Cruciferous Vegetables
Green vegetables are the gold standard for natural folate (B9), which is essential for cell growth.
• Spinach and Kale: Top sources for folate and riboflavin.
• Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts: Provide folate, B6, and pantothenic acid (B5).
• Asparagus: Very high in folate.

4. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds serve as concentrated packets of energy and vitamins.
• Sunflower Seeds: One of the best plant sources for pantothenic acid (B5) and niacin.
• Almonds: Notably high in riboflavin (B2).
• Flax and Chia Seeds: Good sources of thiamine and B6.

5. Specialized Plant and Non-Animal Sources
Certain unique plants, fungi, and algae provide B vitamins that standard vegetables lack.
• Avocados and Bananas: Fruits that are surprisingly high in B6 and B5.
• Nori (Seaweed): One of the rare plant-like sources that contains active Vitamin B12.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Contain small amounts of B12 and are rich in riboflavin.
• Nutritional Yeast: While technically a fungus, this popular plant-based additive is heavily fortified to provide 100% of your daily B12 and other B vitamins.

References:
-National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov)
B Vitamins: Functions and Uses in Medicine - PMC
-ScienceDirect.com
Role of the B vitamin family on mitochondrial energy metabolism
-Nutra Biogenesis
How B Vitamins and Cofactors Support Essential Metabolic ...
-Homegrown Vegetables High in B Vitamins | Gardener's Path
-Natural plant sources of B vitamins. | Vitamin b9 foods, B12 ..., Pinterest
-15 Healthy Foods High in B Vitamins, Healthline

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08/11/2026

"Diagnostic overshadowing" misattributes a person's symptoms to a pre-existing or chronic condition, and so further investigation or addressing of the issue independently is delayed or doesn't happen. When something doesn't seem right, question it; look for the underlying cause.

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08/06/2026

If you are looking to establish direct developmental care of your infant or child I am offering a 1.5-2 hour appointment where we go over the developmental-behavioral questionnaire that you complete and send in beforehand, along with growth measurements, observation and physical examination of your child for $150. I will listen to your non-psychiatric concerns, answer questions and give preliminary integrative recommendations. This is not for a diagnosis and does not include review of records, rating scales or specific testing for delay, autism, ADHD, anxiety, learning difficulties and such; but can be applied toward that in future visits or evaluation if you choose. This is NOT to take the place of complex primary care.

Attached is the developmental and behavioral questionnaire with location and mailing addresses.

Laura J. Ford, D.O., 520-934-4624
Fellowship-trained, Board-certified, Developmental Behavioral Pediatrician

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08/04/2026

08/04/2026

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XU5LPcpF_tI

00:00 Introduction to the topic00:40 Why High Tech devices and app...